The Grace Project has been set up to provide a service that is desperately needed. The response from churches has been very encouraging. This provides confirmation that the model has the potential to help a great number of churches. The scheme is currently available to churches in the East Midlands, but it has been requested in other parts of the country.
Consultation Period in Progress The Directors are actively considering how to increase the infra-structure of the organisation so that the Grace Project can expand to other parts of Great Britain. No decisions have been made as we are in a period of consultation. Ideas and feedback are warmly welcomed from anyone who can contribute to the discussion. It would be really helpful that any interested parties could make themselves known to us by Easter 2010.
Expansion could be organised in several different ways. Should Grace provide information so that anyone wishing to do so can introduce similar schemes? Should Grace provide a franchise-style opportunity? Should the Grace Project seek to become a national Christian organisation? Can the scheme be enriched via partnerships with other Christian charities? Should Grace amalgamate with or be taken over by an organisation with more experience?
These are important questions that need to be asked. The Directors are anxious to take the course of action that will serve the country best.
Expansion doesn't only mean covering a greater geographical area. It also means continuously improving the services on offer. There could be new projects and new research.
Research Project It would be good to be able to prove that prioritising the young is worthwhile. It would be wonderful to have several full-time workers concentrated in a small area to demonstrate that change follows investment. If existing research is correct, then after a few years of intensive ministry, teachers should notice a difference in their classes attitudes ('Drift form the Churches' Kay and Francis). Churches should see new growth. Grace Workers dividing their time between four churches may not provide enough evidence to convince everyone. This is because there are so many variables to consider that it is difficult to prove that consequences are the direct result of any one specific cause. Ministry needs to be a long-term commitment so results from part-time workers will take a long time to be indisputable.
Resources Needed Additional resources are needed to achieve the full vision of the Grace Project. These can only be realised if new funding becomes available. A new headquarters is needed to house the resources library and act as the centre for administration. A more diverse advisory network comprising of people with a variety of knowledge and experience would be most welcome.
If you can help us by making any suggestions, please don't hesitate to get in touch!
